Unregistered
June 7th, 2003, 11:34 AM
Public should know who gets funding
Those who have recently saddled New Yorkers with the largest tax increase in state history claim that is was necessary to do so in order to restore critically needed spending for such priorities as health care and education.
But the shopping list didn't stop there. The architects of this budget also put back money used to give grants to various community groups and organizations operating in the districts of individual legislators. They euphemistically refer to these gifts of pork as "member items," and the $200 million set aside for them is the highest amount ever.
That is not to say that the nonprofit entities that receive these funds are unworthy of support. They do, however, have other sources of support. If this is genuinely a time of fiscal crisis, they should look to those sources.
At the same time, if providing assistance to these groups justified higher taxes one would think that the taxpayers would, at a minimum, be told who they are.
Think again. The majority in both houses of the Legislature chose not to specify the recipients. Rather, their leadership will decide that later. This is unprecedented and quite possibly unconstitutional, but oh, so convenient for members when campaign season arrives.
Gov. George Pataki and Assembly Republicans deserve credit for opposing these actions. Those responsible for them should be ashamed.
EDWARD J. HYLANT
Cheektowaga
www.buffalo.com
Those who have recently saddled New Yorkers with the largest tax increase in state history claim that is was necessary to do so in order to restore critically needed spending for such priorities as health care and education.
But the shopping list didn't stop there. The architects of this budget also put back money used to give grants to various community groups and organizations operating in the districts of individual legislators. They euphemistically refer to these gifts of pork as "member items," and the $200 million set aside for them is the highest amount ever.
That is not to say that the nonprofit entities that receive these funds are unworthy of support. They do, however, have other sources of support. If this is genuinely a time of fiscal crisis, they should look to those sources.
At the same time, if providing assistance to these groups justified higher taxes one would think that the taxpayers would, at a minimum, be told who they are.
Think again. The majority in both houses of the Legislature chose not to specify the recipients. Rather, their leadership will decide that later. This is unprecedented and quite possibly unconstitutional, but oh, so convenient for members when campaign season arrives.
Gov. George Pataki and Assembly Republicans deserve credit for opposing these actions. Those responsible for them should be ashamed.
EDWARD J. HYLANT
Cheektowaga
www.buffalo.com